For more than a century, Union United Church has been a cornerstone for Montreal’s Black community, offering not just a place to worship but also a sense of belonging.
Kimble Sherwood, a long-time member, calls it his “second home.”
“When somebody mentions the name Union United Church, they know it as one of the first in serving the Black community here,” said Sherwood.
Founded in 1907 by Black railway porters and their wives, who were the founding members of the Coloured Women’s Club of Montreal, the Union United in Montreal’s Little Burgundy neighbourhood was created as a refuge free from discrimination.
“When the Black community needed a safe space to worship and meet their needs, Union United was there,” said Svens Telemaque, the church’s outreach coordinator.
As the church grew, so did its advocacy for social justice. Reverend Charles H. Este played a key role in helping Black women pursue careers in nursing, during a time in which they were not welcomed.
“It has always stood against workplace prejudice and fought for workers’ rights in the health system,” said another church member, Erene Anthony.
The church continues to be a voice for social justice, focusing on issues like systemic racism and police reform.
“We’ve always been a place to speak up for justice,” said Telemaque.
It also provides services like food banks, youth programs, and outreach to seniors.
However, Sherwood says the church is facing a new challenge — an aging congregation.
“The only way we can move forward is to get youth into the church,” he said.
Anthony also stresses the importance of getting the youth involved. “I want to see them carry on the work their parents did to improve the community,” she said.
As Union United Church looks to the future, its members remain hopeful that they can continue to inspire and uplift the community for generations to come.
